1. VOCABULARY UNIT ONE

2. ADAGE (n.) a proverb, wise saying

3. One way to begin an informal speech or an oral report is to quote an old ADAGE. Synonyms maxim, saw, aphorism Antonyms

4. BONANZA (n.) a rich mass of ore in a mine; something very valuable, profitable or rewarding; a source of wealth or prosperity; a very large amount; sudden profit or gain

5. The thrilling adventure movie set in Alaska proved to be a box-office BONANZA. Synonyms windfall Antonyms

6. CHURLISH (adj.) lacking politeness or good manners; lacking sensitivity; difficult to work with or deal with; rude

7. The store manager instructed all the salesclerks to avoid CHURLISH replies to customers’ questions. Synonyms surly, ill-tempered Antonyms courteous, civil, well-mannered

8. CITADEL (n.) a fortress that overlooks and protects a city; any strong or commanding place

9. A medieval CITADEL once guarded the capital city of the Greek island of Rhodes. Synonyms fort, stronghold, bulwark, bastion Antonyms

10. COLLABORATE (v.) To work with; work together

11. Several students plan to COLLABORATE on a geology project for the annual science fair. Synonyms team up, join forces Antonyms work alone

12. DECREE (n.) an order having the force of law (v.) to issue such an order; to command firmly or forcefully

13. Why does nature always seem to DECREE nasty weather for our annual family picnic. Synonyms proclamation, edict proclaim Antonyms

14. DISCORDANT (adj.) disagreeable in sound, jarring; lacking in harmony; conflicting

15. Their little spat struck a DISCORDANT note in our otherwise happy family get- together. Synonyms grating, shrill, different, divergent Antonyms harmonious, in agreement

16. EVOLVE (v.) to develop gradually; to rise to a higher level

17. Authors hope that their notes, descriptions, and character sketches will EVOLVE into a book. Synonyms unfold, emerge Antonyms wither, shrivel up, atrophy

18. EXCERPT (n.) a passage taken from a book, article (v.) to take such a passage; to quote

19. My essay includes a long EXCERPT from a speech by Sojourner Truth. Synonyms portion, section, extract Antonyms

20. GROPE (v.) to feel around hesitantly with the hands; to search blindly and uncertainly

21. When the power failed, we had to GROPE in the dark to find a working flashlight. Synonyms fumble for, cast about for Antonyms

22. HOVER (v.) to float or hang suspended over; to move back and forth uncertainly over or around

23. A large group of vultures HOVERED in the air above the wounded animal. Synonyms linger, waver, seesaw Antonyms soar

24. JOSTLE (v.) To make or force one’s way by pushing or elbowing; to bump, shove; brush against; to compete for

25. I tried not to JOSTLE other riders as I exited the crowded bus. Synonyms push Antonyms

26. LAGGARD (n.) a person who moves slowly or falls behind (adj.) falling behind; slow to move, act, or respond

27. Tour guides often have to urge LAGGARDS to keep up with the rest of the group. Synonyms slowpoke, straggler, sluggish Antonyms early bird, swift, speedy, prompt

28. PLAUDITS (n. pl.) applause; enthusiastic praise or approval

29. The skaters who won the gold medals gratefully accepted the PLAUDITS of their fans. Synonyms cheers, acclaim Antonyms boos, disapproval, ridicule

30. PRECLUDE (v.) to make impossible, prevent, shut out

31. Three wrong answers will PRECLUDE any contestant from entering the quiz show’s final round. Synonyms hinder, check, stop Antonyms help, promote, facilitate

32. REVERT (v.) to return, go back

33. Control of a property usually REVERTS to the legal owner when a lease is up. Synonyms relapse, regress Antonyms progress, advance

34. RUBBLE (n.) broken stones or bricks; ruins

35. Bulldozers and wrecking balls soon reduced the damaged building to a heap of smoking RUBBLE. Synonyms wreckage, debris Antonyms

36. SERVILE (adj.) Of or relating to a slave; behaving like or suitable for a slave or servant; menial; lacking spirit or independence, submissive

37. Most serious performers prefer constructive criticism to SERVILE flattery. Synonyms slavish, groveling, fawning Antonyms masterly, overbearing

38. VIGIL (n.) a watch, especially at night; any period of watchful attention

39. Thousands attended the solemn VIGIL at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. SynonymsAntonyms

40. WRANGLE (v.) to quarrel or argue in a noisy, angry way; to obtain by argument; to herd (n.) a noisy quarrel

41. My brother and sister always WRANGLE over whose turn it is to take out the trash. Synonyms squabble, bicker Antonyms agree, concur